There are varying statistics about the usefulness of New Year’s resolutions. All of them point to an alarming failure rate. How are you going to avoid becoming a statistic? The answer is by starting now. The holiday season is full of opportunity to set realistic goals and achieve them. While many will give up completely on setting goals for the New Year, if you start now, you can put yourself in a great starting position to achieve what you set out to do. Here are ten reasons to start your New Year’s Resolutions right now. Get that Andy Williams song in your head, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and keep reading.

Stave off Holiday Weight Gain

Eating without abandon is typical for many people this time of year, but people whose lifestyles reflect healthy eating habits won’t be swayed drastically during this time. If you want to join the group, do it now when others will add to the amount of pounds they want to eventually lose.

Take Advantage of Time Off

The holidays are generally a less stressful time in the workplace. Use days off and half days as opportunities to get in more physical activity. Whether it’s hard core sprints or a leisurely walk is up to you.

Do Your Homework

Read a book, ask successful weight losers or scour research journals about proper diet and exercise. By educating yourself you can learn different strategies that work long-term and choose one that fits your personality and lifestyle. The worst thing would be to set a goal and not have reasonable tools to accomplish it.

Capitalize on Savings

Get together a list of the things you need and shop around. This is the time to buy. By giving yourself weeks instead of days to find what you need, be it exercise equipment, a gym membership, or personal trainer, you’ll likely get a bigger bang for your buck and make a better quality choice as well.

Make it a Family Affair

There’s a sense of individualism in making a resolution, but that doesn’t mean you are on your own. Use holiday gatherings to share with family and friends. You may get referrals for things you need, or better, find an accountability partner in a trusted loved one.

Give Yourself Time to Tweak It

By Valentine’s Day up to 90% of those with diet and exercise resolutions would’ve fallen off the wagon. Poor planning is a part of this fall. If you try your plan now, you can make modifications to it so that when the new year comes, you’re into a rhythm.

Test Temptation

Exercise and eating right are hardest to maintain this time of year. By getting into the habit of making healthier choices with food and exercise now, you’re testing your resolve for change. It’s easy to follow the crowd, but sticking to your guns regardless of the traditions of others’ will determine if this is a temporary or permanent switch for you.

A Doctor’s Advice

Make an appointment to meet with your doctor to get personalized advice regarding your resolution. You might also want to ask for physical and blood tests for your ‘before’ and ‘after’ medical profile. The appointment will remind you that it’s not about how you look on the outside, but improving your health on the inside and living a longer more full life.

Avoid Delayed Gratification

By starting now, you can ride the wave of motivation that the season brings and start seeing results. Many people make resolutions around this time, but after a month or so of the holiday season, you may be less excited about making positive change than when you first thought of it.

New Resolutions

By getting into gear now, you may discover a new goal to add to your current resolutions. For example, you set out to lose 20 pounds, but find that you want to lose a certain amount of inches as well. Your new resolution means adding other checks and balances that compliment your current plan of attack without throwing you off course. Making that shift now means better preparation for the road ahead.

Your thoughts...

What will you do differently this year in making and keeping your New Year's Resolutions?

Comments

I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Titleist Golf Fitness Instructor and Group Fitness Instructor. I live and work in Silver Lakes, CA (Helendale). I currently teach Group Fitness Classes for the Helendale Park and Recreation. I teach Zumba, Yoga, RIPPED, Fitness Boot Camp and HIIT Interval Training, Boot camps, SilverSneakers and Stroller Fitness. I also specialize in private and semi private personal training, post-rehab, corrective and functional exercise, and sports conditioning. I have over 25 years in the health and fitness industry as personal trainer, fitness manager, and group exercise instructor. As of 2007 - I’m the owner/operator of California Fitness and Yoga and what sets me apart from other trainers is my attention to detail and dedication to continuing my education. I believe that learning to exercise properly allows for a lifetime of health, overall physical fitness and self esteem. Member of the AARP Trainer Program.
I walk my talk and being healthy and active has allowed me to complete the LA Marathon, Long Beach Marathon, Oak Ridge Triathlon and the Del Mar Days Beach Triathlon. email me at calfitnessandyoga@yahoo.com